the_orf84

Really appreciate this Mike, many thanks indeed. Adam

A bit late to this thread, but I wanted to pick your brains Mike as I am experiencing some of these problems myself. I am on my first layout and have never fitted DCC before. I have had some running troubles with my 121, which was the first model I bought (I was raised in Greenford in the late eighties so it made sense!). I have only realised through reading this that what I thought was my shoddy trackwork was probably pickup issues on the model. Unfortunately my 24 month warranty (which is actually 12 months) expired three weeks ago, so I'm going to have to do something about it myself. Fitting a stay-alive is an interesting proposition, but I have an Dapol decoder as suggested and, since information on this particular model is scanty at best, could you give me any tips as to changing the pickups? I don't know how many there are, what sort they are, and it's a difficult model to see much of what's going on (although not helped by my lack of experience). Many thanks if you take the time out to reply to this; if not, no worries. Adam

that's really helpful Chris, thanks, I'll see if I can do a bit more research on Thame, I don't really know what was being shipped there at the time but I know a few people on here who will know. Great stuff!

That's great Paul. Your website is an incredible resource, thanks for all your efforts.

Hello everyone - Further to my previous prototype query on modelling the NNML in the Greenford area, I have had lots of helpful feedback with regards to rolling stock and formations. One of the more interesting formations running during the period (c. 1990) was the Ripple Lane - Thame oil trains, usually hauled by 31s, 37/7s and 47s. Some internet research seems to indicate that the stock was a mixture of TTA and TEAs. Before I start purchasing items, my question is - when did BP start painting its tankers in the more striking all-over green livery? Many thanks to all. Best wishes, Adam.

Thanks Rob. I remember I used to get on the 121 at South Greenford and my Mum would get off at West Ealing to go shopping. My Dad and I would just stand on the platforms watching the 'big diesels' go roaring down on the fast lines. On occasion I can remember these diverted services as the loop passed within earshot (particularly if the loco was EE powered). To be honest, it's stuff like that which is my raison d'etre in asking you fine people all these questions. On that note! The OOC - Northolt 'binliner' empties - I am assuming from some of the photographs that these were mainly FFA stock, but I am absolutely appalling at discerning flat and container wagons, can anyone shed any light on this? Best wishes everyone and keep it coming, there have been some excellent responses so far, very grateful to you all.

What a great shot and an excuse to buy another 33 definitely seems to be on the cards. Are those Marcon 102T PHAs? https://PaulBartlett.zenfolio.com/marconpha/e3e202211

I got a post from Paul Bartlett! Thanks for the link Paul!

MCVs in 87?! Wow. They must have been an interesting condition by that time!

Rivercider thanks, I may have quoted a reply to you that i was meant to send to Freightman - this is all getting a bit confusing! Thank you for clarification though, cheers.

That's great info, thanks. Stanlow is Cheshire way, correct? I've seen some pictures of 31s beetling around WLL and NLL at this time, but I never saw any on the NNML that I can recall. Shame, because they are awesome beasts. Can I go very much OT and ask if you're stood under a Skyhawk in your picture?

Thanks rob - do you, or does anyone else know if 31s were likely to appear on these trains by the end of the 80s? They are my favourite class of diesel and something I'd be keen to get on the layout if I felt it was viable.

Thanks 37114, I agree, it was an interesting place to grow up - it was also directly underneath the old third runway approach to Heathrow during adverse conditions - I remember there was always a lot going on! As I stated in the initial post, I can't really do the area justice and my model making skills are not up to the task yet. It's literally my first layout ever, so the fact I've done a bit of split elevation and some points soldering is really at the limit of my skills! Also, space is very tight as things stand. However, the idea is to focus on rolling stock that is at least believably accurate to the time and location, with an aim to one day, money and time allowing, perhaps attempt a truly prototypical track plan. At the moment, the fact I am planning a cement terminal on a crumbling GWR style platform is about as accurate as it gets. I may post some pictures at a later date on a separate post. Best wishes. Adam.

Freightman, this is really great stuff; timetables and operational details are excellent, as are photographs, but records of formations is exactly why I posted this, thank you. Were HTVs vacuum fitted BR 21 tonners? I can't find out much in my David Larkin books, presumably as they may have been changed before the dates covered in the two publications I have. The stories and anecdotes are all welcome on this post, it adds context and interests me a great deal, so please feel free to go a little 'OT', it's all good stuff.

Thanks Freightman! That makes a lot of sense. I noticed in my 1990 Freightfax that a lot of Park Royal traffic by this point seems to be a 'Y', perhaps a reflection of a lower demand by this point? Thanks for response. Definitely interested in the formation details you mentioned if you have time as well.